Winter is here, and it means lots of snow and ice for much of the world. Those who have dogs also know that walks don’t stop because of a little snow, and that means trudging along in freezing conditions while your dog enjoys romping about in the snow.

Leash your pet

Off leash exercise has its place, but definitely not during the winter. On top of the usual risks, winter brings the chance of anti-freeze puddles, falling through ice, and sidewalk salt to the mix. If your dog stops to quickly lick up a sweet smelling puddle, it might send him to the emergency vet very quickly.

Salt on the sidewalks can also be a problem, causing your pet to injure his paws on it. In order to keep him safe, it’s best to keep him on leash so you can help him avoid these problems.

Protect your pet

Dogs with certain medical conditions may need to skip a winter walk. If your pet has thyroid disease or  lung problems, the dry cold air may cause him problems. Thin coated animals should also be protected from winter wind and snow with a coat, and if salt is unavoidable, boots may be necessary.

If your dog isn’t wild about boots, try musher’s secret, a waxy coating that smears onto your dog’s feet and protects them.

Stay visible

Avoid walking when its dark, and be very aware of traffic during a walk. Vehicles may not have as much control in icy conditions, and need extra time to be able to stop or move. Wear bright colors when you do go out, and reflective gear to increase visibility in low light.

Winter walks can be great fun for your dog, but they need to be done safely. Keep these tips in mind to help make snow time, fun time.